callow in English
- callow⇄adj. 1. young and inexperienced.
Ex. a callow youth. Despite their callow optimism, [his] words are refreshingly sincere and enthusiastic in a business that is too often cynical (Newsweek).
(SYN) green.
2. not fully grown or developed - callow⇄callow, adjective, noun.
- callow⇄noun callowness.
- callow⇄noun 1. callow land; bottoms.
2. a weak, pale-colored ant or other insect just hatched from its cocoon.
callow in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
callow in Sindhi سنڌي
callow in Tamil தமிழ்
callow in Urdu اُردُو
Callow
Part of Speech
Adjective
Pronunciation
/ˈkalō/
Definitions
- Immature, inexperienced, or naïve, typically used to describe a young person.
- Unseasoned or lacking in maturity, knowledge, or judgment.
Usage Examples
- The callow youth struggled to handle the pressures of the job.
- She was criticized for her callow approach to the complex issue.
Etymology
The word "callow" dates back to Middle English, where it was used to describe a featherless bird or one that had not yet matured. It comes from the Old English word "calu," meaning "bald" or "bare," and was extended metaphorically to describe someone who lacked experience.
Synonyms
- Inexperienced
- Naïve
- Unskilled
- Immature
- Unseasoned
Antonyms
- Experienced
- Mature
- Seasoned
- Skilled
- Wise
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Inexperto | /ineksˈperto/ |
| French | Inexpérimenté | /ɛ̃ɛkspeʁimɑ̃te/ |
| German | Unerfahren | /ʊnɛʁˈfaːʁən/ |
| Italian | Inesperto | /inesˈperto/ |
| Portuguese | Inexperiente | /iˈneʃpeɾiˈẽtʃi/ |
| Russian | Неопытный | /nʲɪˈopɨtnɨj/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 没有经验的 | /méiyǒu jīngyàn de/ |
| Arabic | عديم الخبرة | /ʕadīm al-ḵibrā/ |
| Hindi | अनुभवी | /anubhavi/ |
| Mandarin | 没有经验的 | /méiyǒu jīngyàn de/ |
| Japanese | 未熟な | /mijuku na/ |
| Korean | 경험 없는 | /gyeongheom eomneun/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "callow" is generally consistent across English-speaking regions. However, in some areas, it may be pronounced with a softer or more elongated vowel sound in casual speech.
Historical Usage
Historically, "callow" referred to birds that were immature and lacked feathers. Over time, its meaning broadened to include people and things that were inexperienced or naïve. It was first used metaphorically in the 16th century.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, "callow" is seen as a temporary state that one grows out of with experience. However, in some contexts, it can imply a lack of wisdom or maturity that persists into adulthood. It is often used in literature and media to describe youthful characters learning through trial and error.
More Information
"Callow" is often used to describe young individuals who are fresh-faced and inexperienced in certain aspects of life. While the word can refer to an individual’s youth, it may also suggest a need for growth and development. In literature, "callow" is frequently used to describe characters who are learning and evolving. The term is not inherently negative but implies the potential for growth, maturity, and the eventual acquisition of experience.